The launch
begins with the drop of the Pegasus rocket from the L-1011 over
the Atlantic Ocean at an altitude of 39,000 feet at a location
approximately 100 miles offshore from KSC. After falling a few
seconds, the spacecraft’s engines will power on and lift
it into orbit. Spacecraft separation from the Pegasus occurs approximately
10 minutes after the initial drop. At that time the satellite
will be in an orbit of 400 statute miles at a 40-degree inclination,
orbiting the Earth 15 times each day.
Reminder – For those interested in viewing the live coverage
of the launch on the internet, NASA TV is serviced by several
World Wide Web sources. To find out what internet companies are
covering NASA TV, go to: